by admin01 | Jun 6, 2017 | Healthy Food Options
When I was twelve, whole foods meant the pack of 2 S’mores Pop Tarts I would pop in the toaster and enjoy as an after-school snack. Oh, the joys of being an 80’s child! Ignorance is bliss, right?
Yes, and no. Now that I am in my 30’s, I understand that what feels good in the moment won’t feel good for my body long term. I also understand that eating as close to nature as possible is the way to make me feel as healthy and happy as I possibly can every day.
So, I traded my Pop Tarts for roasted kale with garlic salt, and I celebrate by spending an extra hour or two at the Florida beach every summer – there’s always a trade-off!
If you’re looking for some foods to add to your summer beach shopping list, here are 8 expert recommendations for whole foods that will make you feel whole again:
From gourmet flavors, to simply putting them on a salad, pumpkin seeds are not only a source of protein and fiber, but also boast many minerals that people often don’t get enough of. Bonus, the actual action of chewing pumpkin seeds causes you to slow down and chew your food completely, a huge benefit to your digestive system as well as your mind telling you that you are getting fuller.
2. Bone Broth
Donna Brown, MS, MBA, Nutrition Kitchen
Bone broth remains my go to food for packing a powerful punch for both its nutritious profile and for its healing properties. I recommend it for clients who have a compromised gut, low immune system strength, are recovering from surgery or injury, and for overall skin, hair, and bone health. I call it “liquid gold” for its therapeutic properties plus it should be part of everyone’s “beauty” regimen.
Medicinal mushrooms have been scientifically shown to hold anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and liver protective activities. Chaga, reishi, cordyceps…these fungi’s are having all the fun in 2017! Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Coffee blends and Purely Elizabeth’s new medicinal mushroom granola bars (which will be popping up on shelves this summer) are just a few of the products getting on the medicinal mushroom train.
4. Ancient Grains
Dr. Jenna Bell, RD with a Doctorate in Health & Human Performance
Ancient grains are more than retro, they have a long history of cultivation and consumption. Amaranth, farro, kamut, quinoa, teff are all part of this ancient grain category. Along with the energy they provide from their carbohydrate content, they contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. For those who cannot eat gluten – amaranth, quinoa and teff are gluten free grains.
I incorporate chia seeds into everything I eat including smoothies, yogurt and oatmeal. Chia seeds are a natural source of energy, protein and pack antioxidants to keep your immune system healthy.
Turmeric is a brilliant yellow spice common in Indian cuisine that you can find in any grocery store. The chemical responsible for turmeric’s golden color, called curcumin, is considered a strong anti-inflammatory. And because inflammation can cause a plethora of diseases and chronic conditions, turmeric has been cited for its variety of health benefits.
7. Spriulina
Carl Jorgensen, Director of Global Thought Leadership-Wellness at Daymon
Spirulina is a dark blue-green, spiral-shaped algae that contains magnesium, calcium, vitamin K, potassium and a slew of other healthful minerals.
8. Salmon
Annessa Chumbley, RD from AnessaRD.com
For years now I have been saying, “If you don’t know what to eat…just eat salmon.” Seriously, it is one amazing food! Most health care providers agree that the benefits of healthy Omega-3 essential fatty acids cannot be overstated, at least until they because a part of the daily intake.
My favorite quality of salmon is the fact that it is rich in astaxanthin, an antioxidant that is the main reason the salmon is bright-pinkish orange. As the salmon swims, it eats up little phytoplankton that have been soaking up the sun. Those nutrient-rich phytoplankton then do amazing things to protect your body. To me, the brighter the salmon, the better it is for you. A good start, and an easy way to think about it, is to eat seafood 2 times per week. That’s a noble goal for 2017!
The beauty of all these wonderful whole foods is that they make you feel beautiful too! They restore you from the inside out, just like The Vampire Facelift or HCG Diet Plan, using your own body’s biology to work for you – not against you. If you eat just two or three of the whole foods on this list regularly, you will be on the road to better health and a better life this summer!
by admin01 | Feb 13, 2017 | BLOG, Healthy Food Options
7 Reasons to Add Apple Cider Vinegar to your Diet
Apple cider vinegar, much like your first shot of tequila, you need to brace yourself. It’s not going to taste great. You’ll need a shot glass and most likely a chaser. However, unlike tequila, apple cider vinegar with work with your innards for a very rewarding affect…I bet tequila never did that for you.
Yes, the taste is pretty brutal. But we’re all adults here. Take a shot, and reap the benefits.
You will need unfiltered and organic apple cider vinegar. Look for one with a label that reads “Raw Apple Cider Vinegar with the ‘Mother’”. The “mother” indicates that your cider has bits of the fermentation of the apples floating around in the bottle (you’ll be able to see it). Seeing that fermentation is a confirmation that your vinegar hasn’t been drained. Draining the mother from your vinegar is basically draining the impactful nutrients out.
Remember, it is still always important to consult with your physician before adding a regime of anything, including apple cider vinegar to your diet. Everything should be done in moderation, including apple cider vinegar.
However, including apple cider vinegar in your diet at least on a weekly basis is your first step in converting into a whole foods, super foods, and clean-living goddess. Before you know it you’ll be joining me and using coconut oil as your moisturizer (it works, I swear!).
So now that you know what to buy, here are just a few reasons to encourage to actually buy apple cider vinegar:
- Better Hair and Skin:
After shampooing and conditioning, a quick rinse of apple cider vinegar (ACV) can leave your hair with more shine and fighting off dandruff. You do not need much. It’s suggested you put about ½ tablespoon with a cup’s worth of water in a bottle (preferably a recycled detangler bottle) and spritz the mixture through your strands.
If you already use a toner, try making ACV its replacement. It evens skin tone and clears up acne scars. Make it a part of your nightly or morning ritual before you apply moisturizer. The reason for this is because ACV has a pH much closer to our skin which protects a delicate layer of skin from being destroyed by chemical-based toners. (That layer just happens to be the one fighting against bacteria.)
- Naturally Heal Your Heart:
Love your heart like apple cider vinegar loves your heart. ACV has acetic acid in it which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart diseases. For people with inherited triglycerides (bad cholesterol), ACV has shown to lower levels as well as blood pressure. In addition to a healthy diet, ACV could be the relief your next bloodwork is waiting for.
- Strengthen Your Allergy Defenses:
Go ahead, breathe in that pollen. Yes, you might actually get through allergy season with hearing a few less “bless you’s”! Use ACV to combat mucus build up and strengthens your immune system because of its Vitamin A, B6, and C. Those vitamins naturally ward your body from allergens while it also helps lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage is the movement of a bodily fluid that helps your body’s immunity. This also pertains to clogged noses caused by the flu, which luckily, ACV is known to also help relieve you of a high temperature from the flu.
- Joint Pain Relief:
You should really JOIN apple cider vinegar and your joints. While there isn’t scientific basis for this, testimony from personal use has suggested that ACV relieves arthritis. Will it cure it? No, but for those who suffer from the joint pain may find relief in knowing there won’t be any harmful reactions with prescribed medications. The acetic acid helps reduce the acidity already in our blood (which cause pain and inflammation). This may seem counterproductive since it’s adding acid to acid. Actually, as most health care providers agree, the acid in the ACV will eventually alkalize and ease the pain. You can soak your joints or choose to ingest ACV.
- Detoxification:
You can be trendy and detoxify. You don’t need to be Gwyneth Paltrow to detoxify your body. ACV is a very cheap fix for detoxifying your body. Granted, working on its own, ACV isn’t going to do all the detoxification for you; you still need a green smoothie from time to time. You can do detoxify from either soaking in a bath with some ACV and Epson salt or ingesting it. The reason for this is because as it travels through your body, it kills bad bacteria. Killing off intrusions from bacteria or even too much mucus allows your body to function at full optimization. For additional ways to detoxify, mix a bit of ACV with a glass of a water before meals.
- Boost your weight loss efforts:
ACV is safe to consume every day which is good news for those of us wanting to lose a few pounds. A 2005 study showed consumption of ACV either before or during a meal helps lower your appetite for the rest of the day.
In fact some people found that their caloric intake for the rest of the day naturally dropped by “200-275” calories. You can achieve this again by having it diluted in a glass of water, or use it as a dressing for your salad, or add a bit to your soup broths. It will also help relieve bloat!
- Gain relief for diabetes:
Just like arthritis, ACP cannot cure diabetes but it can help relieve some of its pains. Added to a proper diabetic diet, ACV helps prevent a huge spike of blood sugar after a meal for diabetic patients and reduce insulin levels. Try adding a little cinnamon and hot lemon water to your ACV drink; cinnamon will also help reduce blood sugar and lemon is good for cleansing. Many geriatric medicine providers use this trick for older patients who are presenting as pre-diabetic.
So listen, if I’m being honest, I have a near full bottle of apple cider vinegar still sitting on my kitchen counter from about three months ago. I went about two days and two shots in when I called it quits.
However, I have effectively convinced myself to join back on the detoxification bandwagon…besides, Kombucha is way more expensive than a bottle of apple cider vinegar!
by admin01 | Dec 23, 2015 | Beauty, Healthy Food Options, Weight Loss Tips
Ready to learn the secret trick behind successfully making a New Year’s resolution regarding diet and exercise? The most effective plan for making the smart and healthy eating decisions that show results. Coincidentally, it is also the same strategy for starting and keeping up an exercise regimen. The trick is to literally (more…)
by admin01 | Nov 10, 2015 | Healthy Food Options, Weight Loss Tips
How did you handle the copious amounts of candy corn and goodies for the kiddies? Did you feel as though the traditions of the day REQUIRED you to have that cupcake with the black and orange icing? Don’t worry, you are not alone!
The answers to these questions should make you want to evaluate your normal eating habits just as much as the “special” days. Real solutions to weight loss trouble can be found right here in the Orlando/Kissimmee area all year round!
We humans are creatures of habit. Traditions are ingrained in us physically and emotionally and not all of them are part of a healthy, smart cycle. So if this holiday season you simply refuse to stick to the orders of your weight loss doctor or you falter from your HCG diet plan, just remember the key is moderation. If it is a must, don’t eat it all and fill up until you bust!
If you are willing to give it your best and focus that awesome will power that had you calling Solutions Weight Loss clinic in the first place, just remember to always be prepared. Strategy is not just for the football players of the Thanksgiving Day showdown!
Here’s some help: (more…)
by admin01 | Sep 10, 2015 | Healthy Food Options
Just about everybody likes a great grape! Even famous comedians have centered whole jokes on the many fun uses and the deliciousness of the friendly grape.
You would be surprised the solutions for weight loss or transformations a few small changes can make. One lunchtime fan favorite is a medley of grapes floating in a bowl of hearty applesauce. The more creative we are with helping healthy foods fight their junk food competition, the more inclined kids and adults alike will make the right choices.
Now that everyone is reacquainted with their old friend the grape, let’s see what other food friends we love to see during this Back-To-School season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle™ and Disney™ Princesses lunchboxes! (more…)
by admin01 | Aug 11, 2015 | Healthy Food Options
Planning and preparing a week’s worth of meals can seem like a daunting task. You want spend your time off relaxing, and organizing a week’s worth of breakfast, lunch, and dinner seems anything but leisurely. Solutions Weight Loss understands the meal planning dilemma – we also know that not having healthy foods on hand can lead to unhealthy fast food lunches and takeout dinners. Want to plan and prepare healthy meals for the week while still enjoying your downtime? Here’s how!
Breakfast in Minutes
The most important meal of the day is also the easiest to plan and prepare. This is good news, considering that most of us are strapped for time in the morning. Here are a few healthy breakfasts ready in five minutes or less (more…)
